Dear WA-BC Members;
Happy New Year! Here is the latest WA-BC Chapter news. Please click on the links for more information.
Geraldine Vander Haegen
Newsletter Editor, WA-BC Chapter
· 2010 AGM update:
Ø Planning for the 2010 AGM at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, Nanaimo BC, March 2-4 has kicked into high gear! Now is the time to register online, and finalize your travel plans. The discounts for registration and hotel rooms end this month.
Ø The second call for symposia has gone out, and we have feedback for 10 symposia so far. If you would like to present a paper, please submit your abstracts by January 30. This year, fishing industry representatives will participate and provide insights on their needs from us. We are encouraged by involvement by Canadian First Nations, and look forward to co-convening with the Pink and Chum Workshop. Our local Canadian members have some great ideas for fun socials. Don’t miss it!
Ø Volunteers are still needed on our local organizing committee (Trade show, Poster Session, Best Student paper, etc.). As Chapter President Jim Shannon said: this is your opportunity to grow through your society. Please contact Mark Pedersen (206-362-4217) if you can help.
Ø Send in your nominations for the WA-BC Annual Awards that will be presented at the AGM in Nanaimo. In addition to the Chapter awards, the Washington Council of Trout Unlimited will give an award plaque to a student to recognize their high quality research leading to the implementation of the TU mission. More details about all of the awards are on our website.
Ø We need raffle items! We are looking for articles you might like to donate including artwork, fishing gear, company products, gift certificates, books, etc. Please email Geraldine Vander Haegen if you have something to donate.
Ø Ready to run? The Spawning Run will begin at 7 am Wednesday, March 3rd. Come run along the waterfront with your fellow AFS members and take in the scenery of lovely Nanaimo. Please email Jim Shannon to register.
· Know anything about the mining Act of 1872? We need you to help on a committee to review an AFS resolution and document mining impacts in Washington and British Columbia. Mining reform can happen under this administration and AFS can make a difference in policy for fish and aquatic resources. Please consider joining this committee! We need your help. Contact Jim Shannon (206-601-1554) for more details.
· The University of Washington’s AFS student chapter is off to a running start after the chapter’s revival in 2009. Officer elections were held in October, and the chapter is now working to plan outreach, professional, and social events every few months. In December, the chapter hosted the first School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) Trivia Night and some of the chapter’s student members will be attending and presenting at the AGM in Nanaimo. Other 2010 events will include a few social events with other student organizations on campus as well as outreach events including a UW screening of a commercial fishing documentary shown nationwide and a lake clean-up event with some local volunteer groups. We have some highly committed and motivated student members and are looking forward to the next few years!
· The approved 2009-2010 budget is now online. If you want to know more about the budget and Chapter finances contact Erin Lowery.
· The proposed amendments to the chapter bylaws passed unanimously with 38 votes. The new bylaws take effect at the parent society meeting in September 2010. Thank you to those of you who voted.
· We are looking for candidates to fill the positions of Secretary, Student Representative, and Vice President beginning in Sep 2010. Please contact Larry Dominguez if you are interested.
· Efforts for the 2011 AFS meeting are intensifying. Team members visited the Experience Music Project and other potential off-site social venues in downtown Seattle. The Accommodations Committee, chaired by Mark LaRiviere, will be visiting the Seattle Convention Center (the site of the 2011 conference) on January 15. We’ve had good response so far, and more volunteers are needed. Volunteering to serve on one of the conference planning committees is a great way to add to your resume and to give back to our profession and colleagues. If interested, please visit our website to learn about the various committee and volunteer needs. Feel free to contact Local Arrangements Co-chairs Cleve Steward or Larry Dominguez if you have questions.
· Minutes from the ExComm twice-monthly teleconference meetings are posted on our website to help you stay up to date with the chapter business. If you would like to join us for the teleconference please contact Jim Shannon.
· The WA-BC website lists current information about upcoming meetings and events. If you would like a meeting announcement included, please email them to Geraldine Vander Haegen.
· Submit your entry for the Western Division’s 2010 Riparian Challenge Award by March 15, 2010. Winners will receive the Western Division’s Award of Excellence in Riparian Management to be presented at the WDAFS Annual Meeting April 19-23, 2010. More information is available online or by contacting Troy Brandt (503-307-8367).
Ms. Geraldine Vander Haegen
Research Biologist
Northwest Marine Technology, Inc.
955 Malin Lane SW
Tumwater, WA 98501
Office: 360.596.9400
Mobile: 360.791.2955
www.nmt.us
